Argentinian goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez has been named as one of the top three contenders for The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper Award. The news was announced by FIFA on Monday, February 7th, 2023. The award, which is in its fifth year, recognizes the best goalkeepers in men’s international and club football from around the world.
Emi Martínez, who currently plays for Premier League club Aston Villa, has been a standout performer for both club and country in recent years. He has been instrumental in Aston Villa’s success, helping them secure a top-six finish in the league and reach the final of the Europa League last season. Martínez was also the standout performer in the final, making several key saves to secure the club’s first major European trophy in over 50 years.
Martínez’s outstanding form for Aston Villa has also earned him a place in the Argentina national team, where he has established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper. He has been a regular performer for La Albiceleste, helping them secure a place in the quarter-finals of the World Cup last year.
The other two goalkeepers shortlisted for The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper Award are Alisson Becker of Liverpool and Manuel Neuer of Bayern Munich. Alisson Becker is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world and has been a key player in Liverpool’s success in recent years, helping them win the Premier League and the Champions League. Manuel Neuer, meanwhile, has been a mainstay in the Bayern Munich team for over a decade and has been instrumental in the club’s success, helping them win numerous league titles and the Champions League.
The winner of The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper Award will be announced at a ceremony in Zurich, Switzerland on April 7th, 2023. The award is decided by a combination of votes from national team coaches, captains, media representatives, and a fan vote.
Regardless of the outcome, Martínez’s inclusion among the top three goalkeepers is a significant achievement and a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport. He has proven himself to be a top-class performer and will no doubt continue to be a key player for both club and country in the years to come.